Author Topic: Winter tire for 2005 Honda Odyssey (Read 5807 times)

nathaluc · « **on:** November 10, 2004, 11:12:08 am »

I am looking for winter tires on a new 2005 Odyssey and would like your input. OEM tires are 235/65-16 103T 28.0" OD.

The only tire available in this exact size is the Blizzak WS-50 which I don't want based on previous experience of accelerated wear and soft compound (mushy feeling).

My first pick is the Nokian RSI 235/60-16 but the OD is only 27.1" which seems too low.

The nearest match is 215/70-16 but I find it too narrow and the load rating is often 100 or less. I had a recommendation to go with 225/70-16 (±28.5" OD). In that size I find that Nokian Hakka SUV, Toyo Open Country G-02+ and Michelin Latitude X-Ice are the best options.

I looked closely at the Hakka SUV and its thread pattern is based on the old Hakka 1. I don't want studs and I feel these are getting obsolete.

Had good comments on the G-02+ but some say they are noisy. The thread looks good and the technology is recent.

Michelin Latitude X-Ice is brand new and mostly untested. Thread seems much better than the outgoing Arctic Alpin.

I will be getting 16" steel wheels.

Tough choice. Driving is mostly Montreal suburbs with highway & unplowed/iced local streets, including many trips to Quebec & Vermont each winter. Will probably pick between the Toyo & Michelin. Your input will be appreciated.

(Message edited by nathaluc on November 10, 2004)

panda_tsx · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2004, 12:05:05 pm »

can the odyssey downsize to a 15?

if so maybe u can find a tire in that size.

The Nokian RSi's are nice! picked up a set for my TSX.

airey · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2004, 02:37:46 pm »

The Nokian RSI 235/60-16 tire difference is -3.3%. Usually ±3% is acceptable. It's up to you. Like Panda_tsx, I have RSi and they're just great!

bob · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:03:31 pm »

I have done the 225/70R16 Toyo without any issues on the new Oddysey... Tire preference is up to you though...

nathaluc · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:36:20 pm »

Bob ! Finally, someone on a forum who installed winter tires on the new Ody ! So you picked the Open Country G-02+... How would you describe the dry/wet handling compared to stock all-season tires ? Are they noisy ? The Toyo is my first pick in that size with X-Ice close second.

Panda_tsx & Airey, thanks for feedback on the RSI. I have been running Hakka Q's on my cars for years and I am a big Nokian fan. However, I am worried about that -3.3% size that will keep getting smaller with added wear...

bob · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2004, 03:52:02 pm »

Sorry Nathaluc... I guess I could have been clearer on this! LOL!

I have installed them on an 05 Odyssey for a customer of mine. So far he has not returned with any feedback at all, but that is usually a good sign because you usually only hear from people who are not happy with their goods...

That being said, I have had tremendous success with the Observe line of tires. Most customers really enjoy these tires and will often come back to have them installed on other friends and families vehicles. As a matter of fact, the fellow I commute with to work has them on his Caravan, so I am riding on the tire every day, and I have not noticed any perceivable noise levels up to around 90kph, but we never really get goings faster than that as we are mostly city driving.

The older GO2's had a bit of a rep as being a noisier tire, but the GO2 Plus (the newer version) has been improved dramatically...

Hope that helps a bit!

morty · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2004, 02:19:02 am »

Going with either the 215/70R16 or the 225/70R16 does mean that you will be lowering the load rating of the tire. However, Honda has not left much option as the WS50 is the only tire offered in the proper fitment. Another tire to consider is the Pirelli Scorpion Ice. Designed for SUV applications, it will give you good winter performance and stability. The Pirelli also offers a T-rated casing that will provide you better road manners.

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

nathaluc · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2004, 09:11:05 am »

Morty, thanks for your feedback. Going to 225/70-16 in the Toyo goves me a 102Q load rating compared to 103T on the OEM all-season, I think it is acceptable. What are your thoughts of running a 235/60-16 that is 0.9" smaller OD ?

morty · « **Reply #8 on:** November 11, 2004, 11:10:05 pm »

I would rather see you go with a tire that is as close to OE OD as possible. I think 1" shorter is too much.

TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

jcd_ame · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2004, 03:34:35 am »

Just a quick thought for Nathaluc. I bought 4 toyo go-2+ today and had them installed on my acura el. The first thing i noticed was the surprising amount of dry pavement traction. The second thing was the lack of road noise on the highway. My impressions so far are very good. I can't wait to try them in snow and ice. Just some thoughts on the toyo.

nathaluc · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2004, 09:49:40 am »

Morty, thanks again, I will stick to 225/70-16. Too bad for the Nokian RSI.

Jcd_ame, this is good feedback on my two main concerns of any winter tire and specifically the G-02+: adequate dry traction and low noise.

nathaluc · « **Reply #11 on:** November 16, 2004, 02:48:37 pm »

Well, turns out the Toyo Open Country G-02+ is sold out in Canada for the 225/70-16 size. Looks like I'll try the Blizzak WS-50 in OEM size 235/65-16.

grumbo · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2004, 12:45:52 am »

I get an 05 Ody delivered this week and have an 03 Odyssey that I'm selling. I have Michelin Alpins 225/60/16s on the 03. I've been advised NOT to use them on the 05 Ody. Also Honda have changed the wheel stud configuration slightly so my steel wheels will have to be sold with the tires.
I was given the Blizzak, Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice and Snow and Michelin Lat X-Ice as my choices at the dealers around here.
I've driven Blizzaks before and liked them. Very soft though.
I can't find too much about the Michelins and Uniroyals. $45 difference per tire which is substantial.
Any input would be appreciated.

nathaluc · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2004, 11:05:12 am »

Lucky guy... I hope to receive my '05 within two weeks. Your 225/60-16 are 1.4" too small in diameter to use them on the new Ody, and you are right about the wheels being different as well. The Blizzak is the only one offered in OEM size, the Latitude X-Ice seems like a good choice as well in 225/70-16, don't know about the Uniroyal. As you read above I was aiming for the Toyo G-02+ which is now sold out, I am now debating between the Blizzak WS-50 and the X-Ice, also considering the Nokian Hakka SUV.

The X-Ice starts off with an 11/32" thread depth which is less than most winter tires, however being the new generation they should be better than the Alpin. Just saw a very favorable review for the X-Ice which placed on top in most categories compared to Yoko Iceguard, Nokian Hakka2, Toyo G-02+, Pirelli winter ice, too bad the Blizzak wasn't one of them.

Make sure the tire you select has an adequate load rating, the OEM tire is 103T, the Blizzak is 103Q but most winter tires in 225/70-16 will have a lower rating of 102Q or less. The '05 Ody is heavy !

Let me know what you pick.

grumbo · « **Reply #14 on:** November 23, 2004, 11:00:10 pm »

I ordered the Michelin Latitude X Ice's in the 225/70R/16 from Costco.
They have the lifetime balance and will take them off and put them on for life as long as they're on rims.
The rims from Honda are all over the map in Canada. I got prices from 92 dollars down to 65 dollars. Quite a range for the exact same part from dealers within 100 kms. :-)

Anyway get the van on Friday and supposed to get snow tomorrow but probably be melting right away.

Cheers,
Grumbo

nathaluc · « **Reply #15 on:** November 24, 2004, 10:38:30 am »

My local Costco is not listing the Latitude X-Ice in 225/70-16, did you have to special order ? May I ask how much you paid for them ? Thanks !

grumbo · « **Reply #16 on:** November 25, 2004, 06:43:30 am »

They ordered them. 3 - 5 day delivery. $167 Cdn plus tax which includes installation and lifetime balancing and if on rims they'll put them on and take them off each year for free (I could get them 2 or 3 dollars cheaper elsewhere but the installation and removal was the biggie for me).

Cheers,
Grumbo

bails · « **Reply #17 on:** November 26, 2004, 11:09:56 am »

I just got a 2005 Odyssey and have been searching for winter tires. Kumho has a 225/70-16 KW11 which my local dealer tells me will fit as it is only 0.3 to 0.4 inch difference from OEM. I have used these same model tires on my 02 Altima 3.5 SE and found them great, especially at the price (around $120 installed and balanced.)

Having traded in the Altima, I have 16" steel rims which I want to mount the Kumho tires for the new Odyssey on. Can anyone tell me whether the steel rims will work?

nathaluc · « **Reply #18 on:** November 26, 2004, 04:12:28 pm »

225/70-16 is close enough to OEM 235/65-16 diameter. Make sure your dealer checks the load rating of the KW11, OEM is 103T and many smaller tires have a 102 or less load rating.

From what I found, recent Altimas (2002+) have 16" X 6-1/2" wheels with a 5X114.3 lug pattern, the Ody is 16" X 7" / 5X120 so the wheels will not fit.

bails · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2004, 10:49:34 am »

Nathaluc -Thanks for the tip. I have never really paid attention to the load rating before, but I guess I have never had a vehicle where I couldn't find many choices of tires in the correct size as has happened with the Odyssey (at least for winters). It's seems unlike Honda to bring a vehicle out with what seems like an odd-sized tire.

Also, I think you are really going to like your Odyssey when you get it - I have only had mine since Wednesday of last week, but am really impressed with how it rides, handles, etc. I looked at Sienna and Quest before buying and am really glad with my choice, tho' it is hard for me to get excited about a minivan!

I cannot seem to find a load rating for the Kw11 - can anyone help out with this without having to go through too much of a hassle, and also let me know if they should be okay for what is as noted a very heavy vehicle?

Grumbo - your price of $92 for rims is MSRP according to my local dealer. Apparently the $65 price is for aftermarket, which they say are softer i.e. will bend easier. Who knows... but I asked if the dealer would move on the price and they came down to...wowee - $84.32 each. I will probably still go with OEM, because a couple of the local tire places I checked have no listing for 05 Ody steel wheels and I can't wait as NB winter is coming fast! I am also contemplating getting LX wheel covers but shudder to think what they will cost.

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